Eveloria found herself running away from something or someone, and it took every ounce of her strength just to keep up the pace. It was impossible to tell what it was because everything seemed distorted, Like looking through layers of watery glass instead of being able to see straight through them. The sound of footsteps rang like an alarm in her head. Her feet pounded against the grass, kicking up dirt as she fled in a random direction. She tripped over a rock and fell flat on her face on the ground.
" You can't run away from me forever. " A deep voice whispered behind her.
" I will make sure you live a miserable life, You wretch! " Another voice roared, making all the hairs stand on end in her body. Her skin crawled and she could feel her stomach churning in fear.
Eveloria picked herself back up to continue running until the darkness swallowed her whole. Her chest heaved heavily and the tears flowed freely down her cheeks, staining her shirt with salty streaks and smudges. Everything was blurry now, everything was too loud. The noise was so much louder than she remembered. It hurt her ears and it sounded like there were people yelling at her from all directions simultaneously. She couldn't focus.
" Your mother left you because she didn't want you anymore . You're such a disgrace. " another voice said.
She turned over and tried to get up only for a strong grip to grab her by her arm, pulling her back forcefully. The pain caused her to gasp and whimper. She cried out as she realized that they were still coming after her. She couldn't escape, they would always find her again.
***
Eveloria jerked awake from the nightmare to discover that she was drenched in sweat. Her hair stuck to her forehead, her eyes widened as if she'd been shocked. Panting heavily, she lay on her bed staring at the ceiling and shivering violently in cold sweat.
" What is wrong with me? " she said aloud. The words came out breathless and weak, as if spoken out of desperation.
' Training!.. Why didn't Marlene or anyone come to wake me up? ' Eveloria wondered to herself as she sat up slowly and pulled the blanket off herself. She went straight to her closet and rummaged around for her training attire. She sighed as she pulled it out of the closet . ' I know stepmother has a hand in nobody waking me up. How ridiculous. '
She shook her head as she put the attire on.
' Then again is there any need for me to dress quickly... ' Eveloria thought bitterly to herself as she tied her hair up properly then she buttoned her lightweight tunic which was made of sturdy fabric, slid her legs into her loose-fitting trousers and slid her feets into her sturdy leather boots.
Once dressed, she headed outside towards the training field.
She saw Briana and Ambrose dressed in the same attire as well wielding their swords. Briana was smiling and Ambrose face was grim and hard like steel soldier as they trained. Their movements were swift and precise, cutting the air with their sharp blades. They moved in synchronicity like one being. Each of them moved as if they've practiced these moves a million times beforehand; Which they have.
Their blades flew through the air with such accuracy Eveloria had to avert her gaze, she found it quite annoying. They were practically better than her at swordsmanship. Within two to three years of their training they leveled up from wooden swords to actual swords while she was still using a wooden sword.
' The same blood flows through our veins so why? ' Eveloria thought as she observed the scene. Her eyes flickered from one person to another until it landed on a man who was watching the twins closely.
He was known other than Mikhail Ravenshield, younger brother of Lord Ravenshield and Captain of the Shadowed Blades; a group of Knights under the Ravenshield dukedom. With his short red hair, possesses a vibrant and energetic aura. His fiery mane, neatly styled, adds a touch of youthful exuberance to his overall appearance. His amber eyes, like flickering flames, hold a glint of determination and curiosity, reflecting his youthful spirit and thirst for adventure. Despite his relatively young age, he stands with a confident posture, displaying a lean and athletic physique. His well-defined muscles are a testament to his dedication to physical training and combat prowess. Though not as imposing as his older counterparts, he compensates with agility and quick reflexes, making him a formidable force on the battlefield.
Mikhail donned a lightweight tunic, its hue reminiscent of the lush depths of a forest. With short sleeves, it allowed his well-toned arms to flex and move with unrestricted grace. Reinforced at the knees, his trousers offered an additional layer of protection during intense combat drills and sparring matches. Crafted from supple leather, his boots provided a comfortable yet sturdy foundation as he traversed the training grounds.
To secure the tunic in place while ensuring ease of movement, Mikhail cinched it at the waist with a finely crafted leather belt. Completing his training attire, he wore a pair of fingerless gloves, fashioned from soft leather. These gloves granted him a firm grip on his weapons while granting his fingers the dexterity required for precise strikes and nimble maneuvers.
Meanwhile, along the path leading to the training field, Eveloria strolled carefree, her mind lost in a realm of its own. Suddenly, Mikhail, Ambrose, and Briana came to a halt as they spotted her approaching. Filled with excitement, Briana exclaimed, " Oh! It's sister Eve! " Her voice brimmed with enthusiasm as she animatedly pointed in Eveloria's direction.
Curiosity etched on his face, Mikhail approached her. When he stood within a few meters of her, he looked down with a raised eyebrow and asked, " Why are you late? " His disappointment was evident. Eveloria offered him a wry smile and replied, " I apologize, Uncle Mikhail. I dozed off, and no one bothered to wake me up. " Her words carried a tinge of bitterness she hadn't intended.
Mikhail let out a deep sigh, shaking his head. His expression softened slightly as he whispered, his tone tinged with concern, " You know, if you continue like this, you won't be able to reach Briana and Ambrose's level. And worse, the entire Sabres kingdom will deem you useless. Is that what you want? "
He spoke earnestly, trying to reason with her. Though his words were gentle, Eveloria's placid expression turned grim, her eyes clouded with worry. ' Uncle Mikhail isn't wrong, ' she thought.
The Sabres kingdom is a place for swordsmen and women. Everyone, from peasants to nobles, possesses a natural affinity for wielding swords. The difference lies in the fact that nobles receive training and learn techniques passed down through their family lineage, while peasants are only given the opportunity if they display exceptional skills.
Eveloria recognized the validity of Mikhail's worry, yet his intense concern for her revealed a side of her uncle she had never fully grasped. Despite their close bond during her upbringing, she couldn't shake the feeling of being an outsider to him when it came to such matters.
" I acknowledge your apprehension, dear Uncle Mikhail, " she started, her voice hushed but resolute. " However, my worth and capabilities should not be defined by others' perceptions of my future. I am not weak nor incapable. "
Her confident words resonated in the air, carrying a sense of assurance. The man before her couldn't help but crack a small smile, impressed by her declaration.
" Good, " he responded approvingly.
" Now, let's address your punishment for tardiness. You'll need to run 20 laps without stopping. " His smile remained, a mix of playfulness and authority.
Eveloria let out a heavy sigh, her disappointment palpable. " Fine, " she agreed, her voice tinged with dejection. As she started running through the fields, her body began to release the tension that had been building since she woke up that morning.
Meanwhile, Briana leaned in closer to Ambrose, her voice barely above a whisper. " Why is Uncle always so gentle with Eveloria? He's never shown us that kind of kindness, even though it's clear we surpass her in every way. " Bitterness colored Briana's expression, her face contorted with envy.
Ambrose simply shrugged in response, his indifference evident. " Let's focus on our own training, " he suggested, turning away from her and retracing his steps to where he had been standing before they noticed Eveloria. Briana narrowed her eyes, her frustration growing. " Why do you always act like you don't care? " she muttered under her breath.
Ambrose let out a weary sigh, his weariness apparent. " I genuinely don't care, " he admitted, his words laced with a hint of resignation.
Briana's sly smile widened as she playfully taunted, " Is it because you're absolutely certain you're the rightful heir? " Her voice dripped with mischief as she continued, " Oh, come on, Ambrose. Eveloria is Father's firstborn, a product of his initial marriage, no less. Despite his facade of indifference, deep down, he undoubtedly holds a stronger affection for her than for us. "
Ambrose's face contorted into a surprised expression.
" What do you mean by that? " he questioned, his voice filled with curiosity and a hint of confusion.
A mischievous gleam sparkled in Briana's eyes, and a sly smirk danced across her lips. She took delight in the fact that she had hit a nerve. " Don't you think Father is going to give the successor's name to his first child, regardless of their gender? " she asked, her tone dripping with playful certainty.
Ambrose didn't immediately respond. Instead, he turned around, facing Briana with a deep frown etched on his face. Exasperated, he retorted, " What makes you think that Father cares more about Eveloria than us? Isn't he marrying her off because he wants to be rid of her? "
Briana's laughter rang out triumphantly. " You really believe that? " she asked, amusement lacing her words.
Ambrose shrugged noncommittally, his expression still guarded. Briana's words had struck a chord, and he couldn't help but contemplate the implications of what she had said.
With a soft tone, Briana continued, " First children are highly valued in every noble family in this kingdom. Father is even marrying Eveloria to the kingdom's one and only hero, a man who risked his life to protect us from the dark mages sent by Arcania kingdom. Even after marriage, Eveloria will still be considered an heir. "
As Briana spoke, she cast a curious glance at Ambrose, waiting for his response. Though his disinterested expression remained, she knew he must be mulling over what she had just said.
In the blink of an eye, Ambrose swiftly aimed the sharp edge of his sword towards Briana, catching her off guard with his sudden assault. Reacting swiftly, she skillfully intercepted his attack, parrying his blade with her own.